The Potato Crisp

Mr Carter must have called his British company Carter’s Crisps when he opened it in 1900 for a reason. And that reason can only be because a product that had been developed was ready for a new market. They couldn’t very well name it a Potato Chip; a phrase that already existed, and had existed for more than a century in Europe. It also described another foodstuff.And as enough time had passed to consider what a hastily monikered snack food should really be called, along came the Potato Crisp. Or, further use of abbreviation – Crisps.

And so, the results of the debate are clear1) French Fries do not exist – They are Potato Chips.2) George Crum is credited with discovering the Potato Chip, and as it was not a phrase used in his language, he was entitled to call it whatever he liked.3) To avoid using an existing descriptive phrase; Potato Chips - a new name could have been conjured up by commercial activities in the late 19th century. Potato Crisp is as good as any, and describes the snack perfectly. 4) It could therefore be argued that it should be called the Potato Crisp. But it is called the Potato Chip... except in different markets, where Potato Crisps are a more appropriate name for the product!5) The different market names have not affected profitability for the manufacturers and doesn't affect our enjoyment, so why cares?

We still think they should be called Fried Police... That Thomas Jefferson has a lot to answer for!